If you’re anything like me, you know the magic of combining two of life’s greatest pleasures: coffee and cookies. This Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe is exactly that—a little burst of espresso flavor wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie that feels like a warm hug. I love this recipe because it hits that perfect balance where the coffee flavor is rich but never overpowering, making it ideal for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet morning treat with your favorite cup of joe.
When I first tried baking these, I was amazed at how simple pantry staples turned into something so special. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find that this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be a new staple you’ll want to bake again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Coffee Flavor: Thanks to espresso powder, these cookies have a deep coffee taste without bitterness.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need in your pantry or local grocery store—no fancy or hard-to-find items.
- Perfect Texture: Soft in the center with just enough chewiness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just a few simple steps and you’re baking deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I like how these ingredients come together to highlight the coffee flavor without overwhelming the cookie’s classic sweetness. Using espresso powder instead of brewed coffee keeps the texture perfect and the flavor intense.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and ensures the cookie flavor shines through.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds crunch and sweetness; balancing with brown sugar is key for moisture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Brings chewiness and a touch of caramel flavor that complements coffee beautifully.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- Espresso Powder: The star ingredient—dissolved in hot water to infuse the best coffee punch.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the cookie.
- All-purpose Flour: The base of the cookie’s structure; use fresh flour for best results.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to give lightness and slight rise without making the cookie cakey.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances coffee notes.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe to suit different moods or occasions. Feel free to mix in nuts, chocolate, or even a bit of orange zest to switch things up. Customizing recipes is half the fun!
- Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks: My family goes crazy when I toss in bittersweet chocolate chunks—the combination with coffee is irresistible.
- Mix in Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: For a bit of crunch and earthiness, nuts make a lovely addition.
- Make It Vegan: Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg, and you’re good to go.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth that complements the coffee flavor.
How to Make Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter & Mix Sugars
Start by melting the butter gently in the microwave—don’t let it get too hot or brown. Pour it into a bowl, then add both granulated and light brown sugars. Mix them well until everything looks smooth. This gives you that buttery-sweet base that makes the cookies tender and chewy.
Step 2: Prepare Espresso Paste & Combine
Here’s a little trick I discovered: adding a splash of hot water to the espresso powder and stirring it into a paste really wakes up the coffee flavor and ensures it’s evenly distributed. Stir that espresso paste right into your butter and sugar mixture. This step infuses every bite with a delicious coffee punch.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and shiny. This adds richness and binds everything together, setting the stage for your dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to bring everything together will keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it makes the dough easier to scoop and helps prevent your cookies from spreading too fast in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using a spoon, scoop walnut-sized balls of dough, rolling them gently between your palms. Leave enough space between cookies because they spread wonderfully as they bake. Bake for 12 minutes until edges are set but centers still soft. Once out of the oven, let them sit on the tray for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
- Dissolve Espresso Powder Properly: I learned that mixing espresso powder into hot water first prevents gritty coffee bits in your dough.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step—chilling keeps the dough from spreading too thin and helps develop flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Egg: This helps everything emulsify smoothly so your dough comes together without lumps.
- Avoid Overbaking: I watch the clock closely and take the cookies out just before they look fully done for that perfect chewy center.
How to Serve Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies right before baking—it enhances the coffee sweetness beautifully. Sometimes, I dust them with a little powdered sugar for a charming finish when serving guests.
Side Dishes
These coffee cookies pair wonderfully with a frothy latte, cappuccino, or even a cold brew. They’re also a terrific complement to a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate when you want a cozy dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I love packaging these cookies in little mason jars tied with twine and a handwritten coffee quote tag. Another fun idea I’ve tried is sandwiching two cookies with cream cheese frosting or espresso buttercream—it’s a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay fresh for about 4-5 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long around my house!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container or bag. They keep great for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive their freshly-baked texture, I pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes before serving. This little trick brings back the soft, chewy magic that makes these Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe so addictive.
FAQs
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Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder in this Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe?
You can substitute instant coffee, but espresso powder is more concentrated and dissolves better, giving a richer coffee flavor without graininess. If you must use instant coffee, dissolve it thoroughly in hot water before adding and consider using slightly more for the same intensity.
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How do I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?
Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter alternative and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until gel-like). The texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious!
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Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps control spreading during baking. This means your cookies keep a nice shape and get that ideal chewy center rather than turning thin and crispy.
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Can I make the Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum included. The texture might vary slightly, but the coffee flavor remains wonderfully intact.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simple ingredients with bold flavor in such a satisfying way. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these cookies never disappoint. I really hope you give this recipe a try—it’s like having your coffee and cookie break all in one bite. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to savor every coffee-kissed crumb!
Print
Coffee Flavored Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Flavored Cookies combine rich espresso and buttery sweetness for a perfectly balanced treat. Soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, they are an ideal snack for coffee lovers looking to indulge in a homemade baked delight.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (113g)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (110g)
- 1 Large Egg
- 3 tablespoon Espresso Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour (187g)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugars: Melt the butter in the microwave, then pour it into a bowl with both granulated and light brown sugars. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare Espresso Paste: Add a splash of hot water to the espresso powder to create a smooth paste. Incorporate this espresso paste into the butter and sugar mixture and stir well to integrate the flavors.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is uniform and fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop walnut-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit on the tray for at least 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If your oven capacity is limited, bake the cookies in batches. Using two baking sheets allows one batch to cool while the next batch bakes, streamlining the process.
- For enhanced espresso flavor, use freshly brewed strong espresso instead of espresso powder if preferred.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for ease of handling and better cookie texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
